Although it still feels like Summer here on the Gulf Coast, the new school year is in full swing. For many parents this means adjusting back into early morning routines and busy schedules filled with after school activities. While you’re checking off your to-do list and making sure your kids have everything they need for a successful new school year Dr. Korrie Lalim and the staff at Optikk 30A would like to remind parents not to neglect one of the most important development tools needed for a successful school year is healthy eyes!

It’s no surprise that the increased use of classroom technology, along with time spent on personal devices can lead to eye tiredness and dryness which are two symptoms commonly associated with digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome (CVS). Ask us about Zeiss digital lenses designed specifically for CVS!

Because children are still growing, being vigilant about eye health is important. The earlier the eye and vision problems are identified, the sooner they can be addressed.

Here are some tips to follow to keep your child’s eye health in check this year!

Limit Screen Time At Home:

Kids should take frequent screen breaks to relax their eyes while working on the computer, watching television, and playing on tablets or smartphones. Try the 20/20/20 rule: Every 20 minutes have them look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. We are seeing an alarming increase in dry eye issues in children associated with excessive screen time. This can lead to inflammation and chronic dry eye disease down the road.

Encourage Outdoor Activities:

We all know how easy it is to get pulled into the digital world of social media for hours. Make it a new school year goal to get off the screens and get moving outside. Increased time outdoors has been shown to be protective for the development of myopia in young children. An extra 1.25 hours spent outside per day may reduce the risk of onset of myopia by as much as 50%. Take Fido for a walk as a family, spend a few hours at the beach, go on a bike ride to watch sunset. Nature has a way of resetting so many parts of your life, so get out there and enjoy it!

Create Colorful Plates For Meal Time:

Pack lunches full of fruits and vegetables like kale, spinach and berries to promote retinal health. Add cold-water fish and nuts to the dinner menu to support good quality tear production. Try and limit sugary drinks and encourage more water!

Wash Your Hands:

Hands come into contact with germs during the day, especially at school. Encourage kids not to touch their eyes and to keep their hands clean in order to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading an eye infection.

Schedule A Comprehensive Eye Exam:

Children may not know the difference between clear and blurry vision. If you notice them squinting, sitting close to the television or closing one eye when reading, they may need glasses. Scheduling a comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist can facilitate diagnosis of vision problems.

Eyes are both delicate and important, so it’s crucial to take care of them. Help your child understand proper eye care, eye protection, precautions and safety, and contact us to schedule an eye exam today. At Optikk 30A we are committed to excellence in patient care and offering the whole family the latest in eye examination, fashionable eyewear and contact lens technology. Stop by our optical boutique located in Redfish village along scenic 30A in Blue Mountain Beach. From all of us at Optikk 30A we wish parents, students and faculty an eye-mazing school year!